Ten Hag target ‘accepts contract proposal’ as Romano confirms Man Utd transfer blow
Manchester United-linked midfielder Adrien Rabiot will sign a new contract at Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Rabiot’s current deal is set to expire at the end of June and Juventus have been working hard to agree fresh terms with the French international.
Premier League giants United tried to sign the 28-year-old last summer but refused to meet his wage demands.
After missing out on Rabiot, the Red Devils signed Casemiro from Real Madrid and then Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
Rabiot then went on to have a stellar season in Serie A, scoring eight goals and providing four assists as the Old Lady missed out on Champions League qualification after being given a ten-point deduction.
READ MORE: Adrien Rabiot one of six players perpetually linked with Premier League who will never come
Despite their lack of Champions League football, Rabiot has agreed to stay in favour of a move to England.
Writing in his CaughtOffside column on Tuesday, transfer expert Romano said an agreement between Juve and the player was “really close” with Manchester United set to miss out on one of Erik ten Hag’s top summer targets.
“Juventus are now really close to reaching an agreement with Adrien Rabiot,” Romano said.
“Manchester United had contacts over this potential signing, but it was never something advanced because their priority in midfield has been Mason Mount.
They now know that Juventus are close to an agreement with Rabiot – it’s not done yet, but they’re just waiting for the green light from his mother, who is taking care of the player.
“Things are now very advanced with Juventus and they hope to get this new deal done this week.”
And “things” were indeed “very advanced”, as later on Tuesday, Romano said “here we go” for a new contract for Rabiot.
“Adrien Rabiot has accepted Juventus new deal proposal, confirmed and here we go!” Romano wrote on Twitter.
“Green light has arrived after positive contacts — Rabiot stays, signs new contract. Official soon.”
United are focusing on a deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea and have had three bids turned down by the Londoners.
The Red Devils opened up with a £40million offer, which was instantly rejected, before coming back with bids worth around £50m and £55m respectively.
Romano also provided an update on Mount’s situation, saying the two clubs will meet this week to try and find a solution.
“Understand Chelsea and Manchester United are prepared for direct contact this week to make final decision on Mason Mount deal,” he said.
“Direct club to club talks will take place within 24/48h to understand how to proceed. Man United £55m bid remains valid… but not forever.”
READ MORE: Would Mason Mount even be welcome at Chelsea? Fabrizio Romano embroiled in the ‘Mount PR’ saga
